‘Impossible to be friends with Federer and Nadal’

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the essentials in brief

• Novak Djokovic talks about his relationship with Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.
• A friendship among rivals is not possible, said the Serb.
• The French Open will start in Paris at the end of May.

They have shaped tennis for years: Novak Djokovic (35), Roger Federer (41) and Rafael Nadal (36). Each of them wins at least 20 Grand Slam titles, with a total of an incredible 64 major victories.

Of course, this creates a kind of rivalry. They are the “Big Three” and they will all go down in history – no matter what happens now.

Federer has now ended his career. Nadal has been suffering from a hip injury for months. The only one currently playing on the tour is Djokovic. In Rome, the Serb is preparing for the French Open, which starts at the end of May.

Djokovic: “Friendship between rivals not possible”

As part of the tournament in Italy, “Nole” gave a detailed interview. Among other things, he talks about his special relationship with his (ex) opponents.

“We were never friends. That’s not possible between rivals, »says Djokovic about Roger Federer. However, he emphasizes that they were never enemies. “I always had respect for him, he’s one of the greatest of all time.”

He always respected and admired Nadal. “He’s part of my life. I’ve seen more of him than my mother in the last fifteen years. But friendship with him is also impossible, »continues the «Djoker».

Who is the greatest tennis player of all time?

Despite the great rivalry on the court, he is grateful. “Because of Nadal and Federer, I grew up and became who I am. It will unite us forever.”